When is Patrick Kane coming back

Patrick Kane returned to play for the Detroit Red Wings on November 7, 2025, after missing nine games. When is Patrick Kane coming back was the question on every Red Wings fan's mind, and we finally got our answer.

What happened to Patrick Kane

Kane suffered an upper-body injury on October 17 during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He crashed hard into the boards and had to leave the game. The injury forced him to sit out for nine straight games while the team moved forward without him (not ideal timing for anyone).

Before getting hurt, Kane was playing really well. He recorded two goals and three assists in just five games to start the season. The Red Wings needed him back healthy, and he finally returned to practice on November 6. Head coach Todd McLellan cleared him to play the next night against New York.

Why his return matters for the Red Wings

Kane's comeback is crucial for Detroit's playoff push. The Red Wings haven't made the playoffs in a decade, and Kane's leadership and scoring ability give them a real shot at making it. His return strengthens a team that started the season 9-5-0.

Kane plays on the second line with Alex DeBrincat and Marco Kasper. He also skates on the first power-play unit, where he makes a big diference. Before his injury, he had collected five goals and 19 points in 20 games. Those numbers show he remains an important offensive weapon for Detroit.

Kane is also chasing a major milestone. He needs just six goals to reach 500 career NHL goals, which would make him one of the elite American-born players ever. Beyond the Red Wings, Kane is working toward a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina.

What fans should watch

Keep an eye on Kane's chemistry with his linemates when he returns. His power-play performance matters most for Detroit's success. Fantasy hockey players will want to monitor his point production closely, especially since he remained productive even while dealing with the injury.

Kane's 500-goal chase adds an exciting storyline throughout the season. Every goal he scores brings him closer to hockey immortality. Whether Kane can stay healthy and help Detroit reach the playoffs remains the biggest question for Red Wings fans heading forward.